1) Is there any problem using Derby Single Edged Blades (such as came with a Dovo Shavette) in a DE razor like the DE89? So far they seem to be working just fine, but since I'm a newb perhaps I don't know what I'm missing. 2) Are brushes and soaps and such really necessary or are they more part of the enjoyment/hobby/mystique factor? As far as utilitarian purposes are concerned, anything wrong with a $2 can of Wal-mart Shaving cream? 3) I also have a tube of that Neutrogena shaving cream (not foam, more like a lotion.) Anyone have any opinions on that stuff? My brother loves it... I bought a tube to use with my Mach 3 and never really found it any better (and maybe a bit worse) than Canned Foam. Eventually I'd like to ease into more of the usual setup, but getting my paws on my DE89 was my first step, so I'd kind of like to use up my current supplies before moving on to new stuff.
Hi and welcome once again to TSD! I will try to answer these questions as most people here will agree. 1) YES!!! Those blades are not meant for those razors and you are missing out on something! 2)YES!!! Brushes and soaps or creams are necessary! Once you try them you will never, ever, ever go back to canned goo! 3)NO!!! That stuff is runny and provides little protection, if any. I have used it. And you are correct, sir, it is not much better than canned goo. I hope you enjoy your stay here at TSD, and you can find out all about this OCD, er, hobby, by perusing our forums and reading, especially the stickies. Might wanna hop on over to the drug store and buy some proper DE blades, and some VDH soap and a brush to get started. Then, when you feel up to it, you can add on more and more stuff. I hope I am not scaring you. But it is five in the morning!
I don't know the specific blades you're talking about, so I won't bad mouth them. It's always a good idea, though, when you're new at this, to try a sample of different brands of DE blades. Most people find that they have a favorite, which may not be the same as someone else's favorite. Experiment a little! Even while I was still using my Atra cartridge razor, I found that using a brush to face lather with Williams soap improved my shave enormously. Others might suggest Van der Hagen as an easier starter soap. You should be able to find one or both locally. Proraso cream is also good to start with. A Tweezerman badger brush from Amazon was still less than $15, last I checked. When you learn how to use these you'll get a richer lather than anything that comes out of a can, but this is something you just have to find out for yourself. Oh, from a utilitarian point of view? Yes, better than the canned stuff. I get much less irritation with proper preparation and using a soap and brush. So better end results. I wanted to hate this stuff, but it's actually not bad. You use it without a brush, and you get a very thin coating, but it works, surprisingly. I think, though, that when you try something like Proraso, you'll put the Neutrogena aside.
For the most part, modern day shaving supplies (mass market products) are formulated for the use of modern day razors (M3, Fusion, Quattro, etc...). They are not appropriate mediums to use when wet shaving, as the DE is a single blade system, and not a multi-blade one. Water and hydration are critical to the success when wet shaving (using DE's), and the modern products are not formulated for such a shaving system (ever wondered why the new razors have the lubricating strips? Because the modern cans and gels have synthetic lubricants in them). Good wet shaving supplies have natural lubricants and help hydrate and moisturize your face without chemicals... DE razors do not need lubricating strips. The Neutrogena cream may work okay for now, but there are products specifically designed for the use of a DE when shaving. There are numerous chemicals formulated into the over-the-counter cans and shave gels. Quality DE shaving supplies are formulated with as little chemicals as possible. In answer to #2: Yes, yes/yes/yes, and yes You'll discover an interesting and truthful journey as you learn more and more about DE shaving. I am amazed at most everyone's advise here at TSD, especially from those who have been DE shaving over decades. Their advice is golden and straight, and they are passing their wisdom onto generations to come.
Thanks guys, I was surprised to see so many good responses upon logging in this morning =) These are the blades I'm using for the moment: (hmm, the forum won't let me post links yet. if you go to Amazon and search "Derby Professional" you'll see them. They're just like any other DE blade if you broke it in half and then put both halves in the DE Razor. They seem to work pretty good to be honest. They fit nice and snug. I'll pick up some real DE blades next time I'm at the store and compare them. Sounds like it's time to start researching brushes and soaps.
I asked the same thing when I started. ( about lather). I can tell you that lather makes more of a difference than razor (I was duboius myself, at first, buit I really do believe it). if price is an issue, just order an omega professional boar brush ( they're as cheap as like 10 bucks from some sellers) and get a puck of VDH from your local walgreens. VDH is a cheap soap, but provides a decent lather and is fairly easy to work with. If you prefer the creme route, nab soemthing in badger. EJ Best can be had for around 35 and, while not quite as soft as more expensive brushes, provide a good lather. If you like menthol, Poraso/Co Bigelow shave cream can be bought at your local bath and Bodyworks.
